What does WHO mean by drowning?
WHO defines drowning as the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid.
Why are children a major focus?
WHO reports that children under five account for nearly a quarter of global drowning deaths and that the highest drowning rates per population occur among children aged 0–4 years.
Why can young children be at higher risk?
WHO links young children’s risk to limited ability to assess hazards, limited swimming and water-safety skills, and exposure to water without active adult supervision.
What prevention approaches does WHO describe?
WHO describes controlling access to water hazards through measures such as covering wells, doorway barriers and pool fencing, as well as supervised childcare and safely delivered swimming and water-safety skills for school-age children.
Is drowning only a swimming-pool issue?
No. WHO describes drowning in many settings, including rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water-storage containers and swimming pools.
References
- World Health Organization. Drowning, 1 May 2026.